Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship

Introduction

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is a fully funded award aimed at exceptional non-EU/EEA students pursuing a master’s degree at Maastricht University. Each year, just 21 scholarships worth approximately €34,000 covering tuition, living stipend, insurance, visa costs, and more are offered to outstanding applicants from outside Europe.

About the Scholarship

This dual-funded program combines the High Potential Scholarship (by the UM Scholarship Fund) and the NL Scholarship (co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and UM). It is designed to nurture future global leaders in UM’s innovative, problem-based learning environment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname (no dual EU citizenship)
  
• Be admitted to a participating full-time master’s program for the 2025–26 academic year at UM
  
• Not have previously completed a degree-seeking program in the Netherlands (exchange programs permitted)
  
• Be under 35 as of September 1, 2025
  
• Demonstrate academic excellence: GPA ≥ 7.5/10 or equivalent
  
• Be the only scholarship application submitted (one application per student) Maastricht University
  

Competitiveness is steep—only about 2% of applicants receive the award. Maastricht University

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients enjoy comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition waiver
  
• Living stipend: approx. €15,925 (13-month program) or €30,625 (25-month program)
  
• Health & liability insurance: ~€700
  
• Covered visa costs, pre-academic training, accommodation (mandatory), and participation in the International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP).
  

Application Process

• Step 1: Apply via Studielink to a participating UM master’s program and obtain your UM student ID; feel free to check UM’s scholarship guide to find eligible programs first.
  
• Step 2: Access the scholarship application via your UM portal. Upload required documents, CV, motivation letter, academic transcript (with GPA), personal financial statement, and at least one reference. No edits are allowed after submission.
  

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Applications Open: October 2024
  
• Deadline: Check official website
  
• Review Process:
  
  1. Completeness check by UM International Services Desk (February)
     
  2. Faculty shortlists top 5% of applicants (March)
     
  3. Invited candidates attend online interviews (April–May)
     
  4. Decisions notified by early May; selected applicants arranged for pre-academic training in August.
     

Selection Process

Selection is merit-based and rigorous. Faculty screens for academic excellence and potential; successful applicants proceed through interviews and final verification.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Write a focused, program-specific motivation letter, avoid generic statements and emphasize your fit and goals. Reddit
  
• Highlight academic merit, leadership, and engagement in your CV and reference letters.
  
• Proofread carefully, errors or missing information may disqualify your application.
  
• Start early; all documents must be submitted in one go.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Additional Resources

• [Maastricht University Scholarships overview] for full details and application links Maastricht University
  
• Email the UM International Services Desk at hhp.scholarship@maastrichtuniversity.nl Maastricht University